News Happening in NSW
The Premier of NSW Chris Minns will be on leave from 13 April to 24 April (inclusive) 2024.
The Deputy Premier of NSW Prue Car will be on leave from 13 April to 24 April (inclusive) 2024.
The Premier will be taking leave with his family and will be overseas.
During this time, the Hon Penny Sharpe will be Acting Premier of NSW.
These acting arrangements are in accordance with the Constitution Act 1902 (NSW) and Premier’s Memorandum M2014-02 Ministerial Arrangements During Absences.
The NSW Government has committed a further $1.4 million to support eligible saleyards in their preparations for Sheep & Goat electronic identification (eID).
The NSW Government previously announced a $38 million support package for producers, agents, saleyards and processors. This package supported the industry-wide transition and implementation of NSW’s robust biosecurity measures.
Round 1 of the NSW Sheep and Goat eID Infrastructure Rebate saw 30 applications received, and $5 million approved for saleyards, out of the Saleyards funding stream. This has supported the delivery of vital eID infrastructure that is right now being rolled out in saleyards across the state.
The NSW Government remains committed to working closely with saleyard operators and owners to facilitate a smooth transition towards eID implementation.
This additional funding will allow saleyards to ensure that their eID infrastructure is fit for purpose before the implementation of mandatory eID on January 1, 2025.
Our farmers’ export price premium is underpinned by our biosecurity standards. The rollout of sheep and goat eID will protect our export markets and our flocks.
The grant will open Monday, 29 April 2024 and closes Monday, 3 June 2024.
Previous saleyard applicants from the recent Sheep and Goat eID Infrastructure Rebate Scheme are encouraged to sign up to the Sheep and Goat eID newsletter to receive further updates.
For more information, visit the DPI website.
Key dates for mandatory eID for sheep and farmed goats in NSW
Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said:
“The NSW Government knows sheep and farmed goat saleyards across the State will need to complete some significant improvements to infrastructure to be ready for mandatory eID from 1 January 2025.
“I’m pleased that a further rebate from our $38 million commitment to the sheep and goat industry can be utilised by saleyards to be prepared for this important milestone in NSW’s eID implementation plan.
“This additional program for eligible saleyards reflects how the government is continually collaborating with the industry to transition to mandatory eID in sheep and goats, we will continue to work closely with industry to achieve this supply chain transition.
“The NSW Government is committed to maintaining our strong biosecurity record, demonstrated by our financial support for sheep and farmed goat eID – the largest of any jurisdiction in Australia.”
Following the region’s early-April flooding event, the Australian and NSW Government’s disaster declaration has allowed Illawarra residents access to a range of special assistance measures.
Recovery Assistance Points (RAPs) are now in operation in Thirroul and Warrawong, which are packed with resources to help residents recover. The centres are managed by the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) which is leading the disaster recovery and has been on the ground this week working with councils and agencies to understand the local impact.
Residents can now attend a RAP to access mental health services, legal aid, community not-for-profits, and government representatives, including:
The RA has already seen more than 100 people come through the doors and will assess whether there is a need for operations to be extended beyond this week.
The RAPs are located at:
They will be open during the following hours:
Support is also available through Service NSW for those unable to visit in person, with Customer Care specialists available by phone on 13 77 88.
Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said:
“This is an incredibly challenging time for communities in the Illawarra.
“It’s important we help residents get back on their feet as quickly as possible, and one way we can do that is through in-person support at Recovery Assistance Points.
“This is a time when we need to come together and support those who are doing it tough, so I’d encourage anyone who needs it to get out to one of our RAPs and get help.”
Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:
“Many in our community would still remember the events of the 1998 floods which is why it’s so devastating to see flooding on this scale occurring today.
“As a government, we’ve worked quickly to get funding to local councils, but we also know face-to-face support is crucial for the community to recover.
“I encourage anyone impacted by the floods to visit our Recovery Assistance Points and I want to assure those affected that we are here to help manage the region’s recovery.”
Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart said:
“I encourage residents to attend the Recovery Centre to register any help they need. There are government services available to wrap around people and support them during this time.
“This is the start of the recovery process, for our residents and small businesses. We will be here to provide ongoing support.”
The NSW Government is extending the waste levy waiver to another ten areas to further support communities grappling with the aftermath of heavy rainfall and flooding.
Residents in an additional ten Local Government Areas can now dispose of flood-affected items at landfill sites without incurring the waste levy fee.
Lifting the fee aims to expedite the recovery process and ease financial burdens on impacted households and businesses.
The Natural Disaster Waste Levy Exemption has been granted to these additional Local Government Areas:
This extension takes the total number of eligible areas to 22.
The Blue Mountains, Camden, Liverpool, Penrith, Sutherland, Wingecarribee, Wollondilly, Hawkesbury, Wollongong, Shoalhaven, Shellharbour and Kiama have already received waivers.
Residents will not be charged the waste levy fee to get rid of flood-generated waste until 30 June 2024, though local landfill gate fees may apply.
The exemption coves waste on public and private land, including damaged building materials, furniture, carpet, gardening debris and any other flood-related products.
As clean-up efforts continue, the Environment Protection Authority could expand this assistance to help other communities rebuild and recover.
NSW Premier Chris Minns has today announced that industry, innovation, trade and investment functions will return to the centre of government through the transfer of Investment NSW to the Premier’s Department.
This front door of Government will make it easier for industry, investors, and entrepreneurs to participate in major government priorities and ensure seamless co-ordination across government.
It also brings management of unsolicited proposals back to central government.
In addition, changes will be made to Department of Enterprise, Investment and Trade, to provide a renewed focus on government priorities in the arts, hospitality, tourism and the night-time economy portfolios, as well as driving the implementation of key reforms, including the vibrancy reforms.
These changes will include a new name, the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport.
The changes will come into effect on July 1, 2024, subject to the approval of the Governor-in-Council:
NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
“The changes announced today bring structure and better co-ordination to important portfolios which together ensure our trade and investment is at the centre of government.
“This is a government that is focused on opening up Sydney and NSW for business, boosting the economy and creating jobs in these important sectors.”
Minister for the Arts and Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham:
“This new department structure will support the Government’s commitment to cultivating thriving creative industries and night-time economies across the state.
“The Department will oversee the state’s first arts, culture and creative industries policy. This is a key framework for investment in the creative industries and our vibrant cities agenda – creating more equitable places to work, live and play.
“Empowering our creative industries, unlocking our night-time economies and focusing on experience tourism will bring economic, social, and cultural benefit to communities across the state. This in turn creates greater employment across a range of sectors – and more economic activity across a greater proportion of the day.”
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
“The NSW Labor Government has been clear on our goal to cement Sydney and NSW as the premier destination of the Asia Pacific.
“In bringing these agencies together we can line up sporting and entertainment offerings that drive economic outcomes for our local economy.
“Lifting the Concert Cap is a fantastic example of what is possible. This policy alone is set to deliver over $1 billion in local economic activity and increase Venues NSW revenue by as much as $210 million over the next 10 years, whilst also delivering opportunities for our local artists.”
Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:
“There are significant benefits to bringing Investment NSW and the Chief Scientist into the centre of government. Industry, innovation and trade are critical to driving the creation of quality jobs and a more resilient state economy.
“I am focused on taking a coordinated, whole of government approach to working with industry and delivering on the NSW Government’s priorities.”
The NSW Government’s Transport Orientated Development planning reforms estimated to deliver over 170,000 more well-located, well-designed and well-built homes throughout the Sydney, the Illawarra, Hunter and Central Coast begin this month.
In December last year the government announced the Transport Oriented Development State Environmental Planning Policy (TOD SEPP) which identified 31 stations across 13 local government areas around which new housing is to be located within 400m.
Working with the Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI), 12 of the 13 local government areas have engaged with the DPHI to develop housing plans that deliver greater or equal housing numbers than would be required by the original TOD SEPP.
During discussions it has also become clear that several councils not only welcomed the opportunity to develop housing plans for existing TOD sites, but wanted more TOD sites to be added within their local area.
As a result, the NSW Government is announcing today that in addition to the 31 stations nominated in December last year, a further 6 stations are being added to the list of TOD SEPP locations.
The six new stations are Cardiff, Cockle Creek, Belmore, Lakemba, Punchbowl and Woy Woy. These stations were all suggested by councils for inclusion.
Throughout the consultation process, consideration has been given to existing infrastructure capacity or planned upgrades that will support increased density.
The NSW Government will also work with Wollongong Council to further investigate Coniston and Unanderra as additional stations to be included once further analysis of the water and wastewater capacity is fully understood.
We will also continue to work with Inner West Council on their nominated sites for social housing.
These councils that worked with the department will be permitted to phase the introduction of the TOD SEPP on certain sites to complete master planning and more detailed work on their plan.
A majority of TOD SEPP sites will be finalised from April 2024, with over three quarters of sites finalised by the end of 2024.
Find out more about TOD SEPP locations and finalisation dates
This master planning and detailed work means that local housing plans will be developed with the councils of Bayside, Burwood, Canada Bay, Canterbury-Bankstown, Central Coast, Cumberland, Georges River, Inner West, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Penrith, and Wollongong.
We have a housing crisis in NSW. In fact, housing is the largest single cost of living issue facing the people of NSW.
Without action now, we are at risk of being a city with no young people.
A recent Productivity Commission report found between 2016 and 2021, Sydney lost twice as many people aged 30 to 40 as it gained.
One of the NSW Productivity Commission’s latest reports showed between 2016 and 2021, fewer than 20% of new dwellings were built within 10km of the CBD.
These are the people who open businesses, have families, build our communities and contribute to local economy.
That is not a situation that is tolerable. It means we can’t sit back and do nothing.
Find out more about the Transport Oriented Development Program
Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:
“The NSW Government is absolutely committed to confronting the housing crisis head on. For too long housing has been put in the too hard basket.
“If we don’t build more houses, young people will up and leave because they can’t afford a home in NSW. And if we lose our young people, we lose our future.
“I want to thank the Mayors and Councils for working collaboratively with the Government. Ensuring we have homes for young people across our state is a shared responsibility.”
Minister for Planning and Public Space Paul Scully said:
“I applaud the councils that have worked collaboratively with my department which has resulted in a TOD policy that is tailored to each location and community.
“I encourage others to sit down and help us address the housing crisis by working together to find well located housing across the State for young people, essential workers and families who desperately need to access the housing market.
“The principle that underpinned the discussions with councils is that any local plans must go beyond the NSW Government’s housing expectations, not backwards.
“In addition the government’s reforms to State infrastructure contributions, mean that the infrastructure investment needed to support housing growth in these areas will also be made.
“The TOD program is part of the biggest planning reforms this state has ever seen and will be a critical tool in meeting the growing demand for housing and improving affordability, especially for young people and families.”
The ICAC has found that Mr Crackanthorp:
Knowingly failed to declare a conflict of interest, which constituted a breach of public trust
Participated in meetings as Minister which constituted a further breach of public trust
Breached the NSW Ministerial Code of Conduct (twice)
Given these adverse findings, Mr Crackanthorp should resign from Parliament immediately.
If he fails to do so, Premier Chris Minns should move to have him expelled from the NSW Parliamentary Labor Party and not rely on his vote on the floor of the Legislative Assembly.
This will be a test of Premier Minns’ commitment to integrity in government.
Disaster assistance has now been extended to the Blacktown, Byron Bay, Central Coast, Clarence Valley, Dungog, Gwydir, Hornsby, Lake Macquarie, Lithgow, Maitland, Mid-Coast, Oberon, The Hills and Yass Valley local government areas (LGAs), following heavy rainfall and flooding across NSW from 1 April 2024.
The assistance measures are being provided by the Albanese and Minns Governments through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Support includes:
Acting Federal Minister for Emergency Management Catherine King said the extent of the flooding impact is still being assessed as the waters recede.
“This flood event has caused damage across communities, impacting homes, farms, businesses and volunteer groups,” Minister King said.
“Many Government agencies and community groups are still out on the ground to assess the damage and continue the mammoth clean-up effort.
“I know the Minns Government is continuing to assess the situation and is adapting as we gain a clearer picture of the impact of this disaster, and the Albanese Government stands ready to support.”
Acting NSW Minister for Emergency Services Penny Sharpe said the extension of this Natural Disaster Declaration demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to adapt as the full extent of the impacts are known.
“We moved quickly to ensure support became available to communities affected by this natural disaster, as the flood waters recede and storm impacts are reported we are continuing to assess the damage and ensuring support is in place to help communities recover,” Minister Sharpe said.
“NSW Government agencies like the State Emergency Service, Environmental Protection Authority and Reconstruction Authority are out on the ground working closely with Local Government and community groups to commence the mammoth clean-up effort.”
“This was a storm event that has affected each area differently, but it was widespread and work to assess the impact is continuing. The extension of this disaster declaration unlocks assistance for additional communities in need.”
For information relating to financial assistance, replacing lost documents, location of your nearest recovery centre and more, please contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 or visit the nsw.gov.au website
Apply for a concessional loan or primary producer grant on the NSW Rural Assistance Authority website or call 1800 678 593
Further information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website
The Canowindra HealthOne Redevelopment has reached a significant milestone with early works and demolition beginning this week, bringing the community one step closer to better integrated, coordinated healthcare services.
The demolition of the existing nurse’s quarters and adjacent cottage will help prepare the site for the next phase of the $8.3 million HealthOne facility’s construction.
Access to Canowindra Soldiers Memorial Hospital will not be impacted during the demolition, which is expected to take around eight weeks to complete. WNSWLHD has a comprehensive traffic management plan in place to ensure there is no impact to people who need to access the hospital.
An important aspect of the demolition phase will be the creation of a historical record to ensure the impact and history of the demolished buildings is not lost.
Following a thorough tender process, main works construction of the HealthOne is on track to begin in the third quarter of 2024, and is expected to take around 14 months to complete.
Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:
“This new HealthOne will improve coordination and continuity of care for patients in Canowindra – with GPs and community services located on the hospital site, it will create a more seamless transition as they move between different healthcare settings.
“Crucially, the HealthOne will help to maintain high-quality, sustainable healthcare services in the community by creating opportunities for new or existing healthcare providers, like GPs, to establish themselves as part of an integrated team.”
WNSWLHD Director of Corporate Services Jeff Morrissey:
“Our project team has been working hard with staff, key stakeholders and community groups to ensure the HealthOne’s design will meet the needs of the community.
“The nurse’s quarters have played a monumental role over the years and while it is necessary for these buildings to be demolished, we recognise their importance in the community and the need to recognise history by creating a photographic record and preserving any furnishings we can.”
Member for Orange Phil Donato:
“It’s exciting to see such great progress on this important project, which will make a huge difference to our community living here in Canowindra.
“This exciting project will bring a range of healthcare providers together in the same place and improve access to health services for the community and surrounding areas.”
The NSW Labor Government is continuing to invest in vital safety upgrades to the Monaro Highway with work set to begin on the next stage of a $20 million program to improve the road in key locations between the ACT and the Victorian border.
The next stage of the Monaro Highway upgrade program will include the installation of new signage, improved road markings and lane upgrades at nine town entry points:
Upgrade works are due to begin around 650 metres north of Thurrung Street at Cooma, from Monday 15 April, weather permitting.
Work in other locations will follow over the next four weeks, taking place between 7am to 5pm on weekdays, weather permitting.
Temporary single lane closures, a reduced speed zone of 40 km/h and traffic control to be put in place as needed for the safety of workers and motorists.
To further improve safety for motorists from late April, the speed limit is due to be reduced at two locations.
These changes will reduce crash risk and are being made due to the high rate of reported near misses and crashes on the highway.
In Bombala, the speed limit will drop from 60 km/h to 50 km/h for a 1.1-kilometre stretch along the Monaro Highway from Young Street to 280 metres south of Cemetery Road. This new limit will be consistent with other speed zone lengths in similar villages such as Nimmitabel and Cooma.
At Dairymans Plains, west of Cooma, the speed limit will be reduced from 100 km/h to 80 km/h for a 4.7-kilometre stretch along the Snowy Mountains Highway, from 140 metres east of Montague Street, Cooma, to 520 metres west of Harlowe Road.
Message boards will be on site one week before and one week following the speed zone reductions, to notify motorists of the changed speed limits.
For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW app, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education and Member for Monaro Steve Whan said:
“The NSW Government is committed to provider safer journeys for locals, the tourist industry and everyone who uses this 205-kilometre stretch of road.
“The investments we are making on the Monaro Highway will reduce crash risk, protect motorists and make all of our communities safer.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
“The Monaro Highway forms part of the key freight, commuter and recreational route between the Snowy Mountains region and the ACT through to Sydney and surrounds.
“The upgrade work the NSW Government is carrying out is all about helping to save lives and keep communities safe in the Monaro region.”
